The proposed parcel tax was $96 per parcel. It would have raised about $1.2 million in annual revenues for the school district.[3]

District Superintendent Gary McIntire estimated that due to a variety of circumstances relating to the state's overall budget, the district was facing a $5.8 million budget shortfall at the time of the vote.[4]

Cost of election

San Benito County advanced the money to pay for the June election. Whether the parcel tax passes or not, the school district must repay those costs to the county by the end of the fiscal year.[5]

San Benito County Supervisor Anthony Botelho, concerned about the ability of the financially troubled school district to repay the election administration costs, inquired of the county's clerk as to whether the county could insist that the parcel tax election take place on November 8, 2011, with other scheduled elections, which would reduce the cost: "There is no way we can just say 'no' to this election and make them have it in November with the other elections? Because I really believe the Hollister School District is making a hell of a mistake."[5]